Jaina Logic

Author(s): T G Kalghatgi
Publisher: Raja Krisen Jain Charitable Trust New Delhi

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Jaina Logic
modes of existance and non-existance, a molecule of two space points has the predications of Negation and inexpressibility.
In the same way, Mahavira explained the various predicational formulations with reference to a molecule with three place units, a molecule of four place units and so also of five and six place units. Molecule of five place units presents twenty-two propositional predications, and there are twenty three propositional forms in the case of molecule of sixplace units. 16
From the discussion given above it is clear that the sevenfold predicational scheme called saptabhangi is not a later development presented by the Acaryas. It is to be found in the Agamic literature in all its implications. This methodological scheme was presented in the form of explanations to the questions asked by the Gapadharas. It was not presented as a theory of logic or epistemology It was only later philosophers who elaborated the implications already present in the Agamic literature. Pandit Dilsukh Malvania in his Ãgama yug kā Jaina darsana has given emphasis on this point of view.
In the seven predicational forms, affirmation, negation and inexpressibility are primary, others are derivative. In the Bhagavati sutra seven-fold predications are mentioned. In the Pancastikayasara Kundakundācārya has mentioned the sevenfold predications. The predication of avaktavya (inexpressibility) has been made the third predication in the Bhagavati sutra and in the Viseşāvasyakabhā ş ya In the Pancastikayasara the predication of avaktavya has been mentioned as the fourth predication But in the Pravacanasara it has the third place. Later philosophers have used both methods.
125 Bhagavati sataka-12, 3010.
126 Bhagavati, 10, 10, 469.